Hi there, Luna:If you go under the "General" forum on the main page, there will be guidelines as to how to adopt a lab from MLRR. The first part is filling out the application, which can be found here: http://www.midwestlabrescue.org/onlineadoption.htm

Next, a home visit will be scheduled. Pending your approval, then you can start meeting dogs Check out that forum page, it should be much more informative. If you have any other questions/concerns, please let me know.

Luna, Kristen offered some great advice on what to do to get started with our group, but I'm sorry she didn't answer your question as to what exactly a Lab is, as well as some tips/guidelines for adopting one. I can help with that....

Labrador Retrievers are by far the most popular breed of dog in the United States, based on the number of AKC registrations. In fact, there are more than twice as many registered Labs as there are of any other breed.

Labs are known for their intelligence & trainability. However, an untrained Lab can be "too smart for their own good," finding mischievous ways to get into trouble. If you're prepared to spend some time teaching your Lab manners, you will find a willing student who will follow your leadership.

Labs are VERY social dogs, typically loving almost everybody & as well as other dogs. They love "their people" & want to be with them all the time and will want to go with you everywhere. They are often underfoot, leaning on the door you want to open or leaning on you. They run to the door when you reach for car keys, boat keys &/or their leash & bounce with excitement at the thought of going anywhere with "their people." If you are looking for a best friend who would love to jog, hike or fish with you, a Lab will be the ideal candidate.

Labs are typically happy-go-lucky dogs, with a big smile on their face & wagging their big tail often. Their tail is thick and otter-like, which helps them swim, AND swipe shelves, clear coffee tables, knock down toddlers, whack your leg or anything else with full force. Their coat is a very thick, double layer to keep them warm in icy waters, & sheds regularly, being "blown" twice a year. Between their wagging tails & wiggly bodies, dog hair goes flying EVERYWHERE. You will be amazed at the places you find it! You will get "fur tumbleweeds" across your floor, many times, just after cleaning. If loose dog hair bothers you, a Lab might not be a good fit, but if you like the idea of a wagging tail to welcome you home after a hard day, you will love a Lab.

Labs love love LOVE water. They can find pure joy in galloping through a mud puddle, diving for toys dropped (deliberately sometimes) in their water dish, biting the spray as you attempt to water the lawn or wash your car, & even surprising you mid shower. This means frequent rinsing & toweling dry the dog, yourself, floor, wall & objects. Some find it annoying, Lab owners find it amusing & love to see their doggie enjoying every drop of life!

As their name indicates, Labs are excellent retrievers of anything & everything. Labs are "mouthy," they love to hold & carry things (your hand, sleeve, shoe, unread newspaper or preferable a safe dog toy). Labs go through toys quickly. They don't need to be fancy or expensive, just appropriate. If you don't supply enough, Labs will find their own toys, which is dangerous.

Labs require daily exercise through long walks, hikes, runs or swimming. If your family doesn't enjoy being outdoors, a Lab may not be the best choice. They typically have a high level of energy & are silly, goofy puppies for about 3 years. However, if you adopt an older dog, you most likely will find a great companion who is past that "crazy dawg" stage & will enjoy watching the ball game on the couch with you, often serving as a pillow!

Because Labs are so popular, there's been many unscrupulous breeders that have resulted in health issues for Labs. They are prone to hip & elbow dysplasia, several types of eye problems, & arthritis. Because of this, Labs need to have their weight kept in check. They are famous for giving those sad, puppy dog eyes, when you're eating, begging for food & counter "surfing." Only if you allow that. Usually they can easily be trained to not pay attention to you when you're eating (laying down somewhere), but the minute you give them table scraps or a little nibble of your chip, you've lost the battle & will have a beggar on your hands, who will drool long slobber from their mouths.

Lab adoptive parents have found it to be so rewarding, often the recipient of a grateful dog who knows they are now living the good life with you. Not a day went by that our yellow female didn't make us laugh hysterically at her antics.

I hope I provided enough information on what a Lab is, I don't want to scare you, but make you well informed. Let me know if you have any other questions, I would be happy to answer them!

Thanks, Cheryl, for making that more clear as to what a "typical" lab's traits and personalities may be like. I didn't want to generalize as much since not all labs are like that, and especially with some rescue dog's history or mixes, it's hard to put them all under one category. Each lab has their own personality and traits, so when adopting, it's best to decide which of these traits are best for your family and then decide on a dog from that.

You are exactly right Kristen, each dog does have their own personality & trait. However, we should still be educating people who aren't familiar with the breed what they can expect in a typical Lab, as a LAB rescue. A Lab isn't for everybody, even though they are the cutest & most popular breed out there.